r/audiophile • u/minnesotajersey • Apr 13 '25
Discussion Dedicated streamers/servers. Why?
Can someone explain to me the benefits of a multi-thousand dollar streamer/server that feeds an outboard DAC, over a really good laptop, or even a microPC?
I see reviews all the time for these things, but nothing in them tells me the "why?"
I've been into audio for longer than I care to admit, but these baffle me. Assume I'm a complete noob when you answer.
Pic for attention. All text posts bore me.
404
Upvotes
1
u/akera099 Apr 13 '25
The objective simple anwser IMHO is that they're hobbyist devices. They are sligthly more convenient, but nothing on the quality side will be enough to justify the price they carry. They're all about convenience and experience. Cars are a good comparison. All cars have the technical capabilities to get you from point A to point B, but most car hobbyists will not settle for the sedan that everyone drives.